Inhibition of the metabolism and motility of human spermatozoa by various alkaloids.
The ability of several alkaloids to inhibit the metabolism and motility of human spermatozoa has been investigated. Of the agents tested, chloroquine was the most effective in inhibiting sperm metabolism (production of carbon dioxide and lactic acid) and motility. It was active at a concentration of 3.6 x 10(-5)M. Quinine and Quinacrine were active at concentrations of 5 x 10(-4)M and emetine required concentrations as high as 3.6 x 10(-3)M to achieve an inhibitory effect. Detailed studies with emetine showed that the time needed for inhibition of sperm motility was inversely proportional to the drug concentration and directly related to the sperm density. In addition, the inhibition was shown not to be reversible.
D000962:Antimalarials / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000378:metabolism; D002738:Chloroquine / Q000494:pharmacology; D004640:Emetine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007773:Lactates / Q000378:metabolism; D019344:Lactic Acid; D008297:Male; D011796:Quinacrine / Q000494:pharmacology; D011803:Quinine / Q000494:pharmacology; D013081:Sperm Motility / Q000187:drug effects*; D013094:Spermatozoa / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*
D000962:Antimalarials; D007773:Lactates; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D019344:Lactic Acid; D002738:Chloroquine; D011803:Quinine; D011796:Quinacrine; D004640:Emetine